Fourths to thomas j



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Shet 1. H. G. ANDERSON. FENCING MACHINE. No. 592,719. Patented Oct. 26,1897.

(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Shet 2.

H. C. ANDERSON.

FENCING MACHINE Patented Oct. 26,1897.

wiigzss UNITED STATEs PAY-TENT OFFICE.

FOURTHS TO THOMAS J. FRYAR,

TALLEY, OF SAME PLACE.

'WILLIAM D. OARROL, AND ALLEN FENCIN GfM A CHI NE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters'Patent No. 592,719, dated October 26, 1897.

Application filed May 2 8, 1 89 7.

Clarksville, in the county of Red River and State of Texas, have invented a new and useful Wire-Fence Machine, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to machines for constructing wire-and-picket fencing, and has for its object to provide a machine for the purpose aforesaid which will involve a simple and compact construction and be capable of easy operation and durable and have the'operat-- ing parts disposed so as to be under observation at all times and readily accessible for any desired purpose. V a

For a full understanding of the merits and advantages of the invention referenceis to be had to the accompanying drawings and the following description; The improvement is susceptible of various changes in the fori'n,proportion,and the minor details of construction 'without departing from the principle or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof, and tea full disclosure of the invention an adaptation thereof isshown in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fencemachine especially designed for attaining the objects of this invention. Fig. 2i s a side elevation thereof, showingtheoperation of the combined picket spacer and feeder by dotted lines. Fig. 3 is a front view of the machine.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a twister, parts being broken away and showing the spools in position by dotted lines.

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the following description and indicated in the several views of the accompanying;

drawings by the same reference-characters.

The framework of the machine is a substantial structure and comprises a series of uprights and transverse and longitudinal bars rigidly connected at their meeting ends and is represented by the numeral 1. A series of wire twisters are journaled in transverse beams of the framework and are similarly constructed, each consisting of a shaft 2,'a circular head 3 at one end of the shaft, tubu- Serial No. 638,562. (No model.)

lar guides at, secured in openings provided in the circular head and converging toward their outer ends, across-bar 5,and eyes 6 at the ends of the crossbar-constituting guides for the strands or wires intermediate of the spools and the tubular guides 4. A sprocket-wheel 7 is secured to the rear end of each shaft 2, and a sprocket-chains connects the series of sprocket-wheels, whereby the wire-twisters are positivelyand simultaneously operated. One of the shafts 2 is extended and provided with a crank 9, by means of which power is applied for operating the machine. A rod 10 extends transversely of each shaft 2, and its end portions form spindles for the spools of wire 11, which are mounted thereon and held in place by keys 12 or other equivalent means.

The combined picket spacer and feeder consists of a frame mounted between its ends upon a transverse rod 13, supported at its ends by extensions of intermediate longitudinal bars. The frame is of rectangular form, and its upper bar 14 has approximately semicircular notches or depressions 15 opposite the several wire-twisters of the series, the notches being sufficiently deep to afford ample clearance for the tubular guides inthe rotation of the twisters. The top side or the upper bar lthis a little below a plane passing through the axis of the wire-twisters and constitutes a rest or support for the pickets when placing them in position. Pins 16 project vertically from the bar 14. to engage with the rear edge of the pickets 17, so as to move them forward and advance the fence as the latter is constructed, and a pin 18 near one .end of the bar 14: forms a stop, so as to insure the alining of the pickets and an even construction of the fence when the machine is in operation.

A rock-shaft 19 is journaled at its ends in bearings provided on longitudinal bars of the framework and has a pendent arm 20 and a vertical arm 21, the pendent arm being connected by a link 22 with the lower bar of the pivoted frame. The link 22 has v adjustable connection with the pendent arm 20 and adjustable connection with the lower bar of the pivoted frame, whereby the movement of the the saidcables.

latter can be regulated according to the distance apart of the pickets and varying width thereof. The throw of the pivoted frame is regulated by the distance of the link 22 from the rock-shaft, and the relative position of the upper bar 14 is determined by the connection of the lower bar of the pivoted frame with the link 22; hence the advantage of having the link 22 adjustably connected with the pendent arm 20 and with the lower bar of the pivoted frame. The vertical arm 21 aifords a means for the attendant to operate the rock-shaft for actuating the pivoted frame is claimed as new is.-

to move the pickets forward and advance the fencing when twisting the wires about the pickets. This arm has a pin or lateral extension 23 to be engaged by a notch 24 in the edge of a pivoted bar 25 to lock the arm 21 and hold the pivoted frame at the limit of its forward throw. The pivoted bar 25 is held in engagement with the pin 23 by having its free end passed beneath a stop 26, and by moving the free end of the pivoted bar laterally to clear the stop 26 it can be supported thereby, so its notch 24 will not engage with the pin 23. A spring 27 connects the vertical arm 21 with a convenient portion of the framework, so as to return the pivoted frame to a normal position.

The number of wire-twisters will depend upon the; number of strands or cables in the complete fencing, and they will be spaced apart correspondingto-the relative location of As shown, only two twisters are provided; but it will be understood that this number will be increased if more than two cables are required in the completed fencing. The spools 11, containing the strands or wires 28,, are placed upon the end portions of the rods 10, and the strands or'wires are passed through the eyes 6 and tubular guides 4 and their ends are twisted together. The pickets 17 are placed one at a time upon the upper bar 14 of the pivoted frame and are passed between the tubular guides 4 and engage at their rear edges with the pins 16 and at one end with the pin 18. After a picket is in position the pivoted frame is operated by means of the vertical arm 21 and the intermediate connections, so as to move the picket from between the tubular guides 4, after which the wire-twisters are operated by turning the crank 9, the fencing being advanced by moving the arm 21, as will be readily understood. \Vhen a picket has been bound in and the fvertical arm 21 released, the spring 27, re-

any manner found most convenient.

Having thus described the invention, what 1. In a fence-machine, the combination of wire-twisters having projecting guides,a movable frame having its top side in a plane corresponding to the space formed between the guides of the wire-twisters when disposed about in vertical relation, and pins applied to the movable frame to engage with one end and the rear edge of the pickets, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In a fence-machine, the combination of a series of wire-twisters, a frame pivoted between its top and bottom ends and forming a combined picket spacer and feeder, a rockshaft having an arm, and a link adjustably connected at one end with the said arm and having adjustable connection at its opposite end with a portion of the pivoted frame, substantially as shown for the purpose described.

3. In a fence-machine, the combination of a series of wire-twisters, apivoted frame forming a combined picket support, spacer and feeder, a rock-shaft, a link adjustably connecting an arm of the rock-shaft with a portion of the pivoted frame, an operating-arm, a pivoted bar adapted to interlock with the operatin g-arm and a spring for returning the parts to a normal position, substantially as set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto afiixed my signature in the presence of 'two witnesses.

HENRY C. ANDERSON.

WVitnesses:

W. B. ELLIOTT, W. C. CUNNINGHAM. 

